Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology Department Functional Genomics
Functional genomics of neurodegenerative diseases
The research focus of the Department of Functional Genomics headed by Prof. Dr. Ulrike Müller concentrates on the molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission disorders and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease. The aim is to elucidate both the physiological and pathophysiological functions of key genes, in particular the APP gene family. To this end, state-of-the-art cell biological and biochemical approaches are combined with the production and phenotyping of complex, transgenic mouse models. Current work aims to use knowledge of APP physiology to develop new strategies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other synaptic disorders.
Research Topics
The research group uses various techniques to study Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by synaptic dysfunction, neuronal loss and cognitive impairment. The main lesions in the brains of AD patients are neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaques, which are mainly composed of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). The exact physiological role of APP is still unknown. Knockout mice with single or combined gene deficiencies of APP family proteins show a variety of phenotypic changes. The analysis of the in vivo functions of APP in mammals is complicated by the presence of two APP-related genes, APLP1 and APLP2, with partially redundant functions. Further studies of the group focus on the role of APP and its fragments in neuronal morphology and synaptic function and on the development of conditional mutants to study the functions of APP/APLP in the adult central nervous system.
Information for Applicants
The Functional Genomics Unit is open for internships as well as Bachelor's and Master's theses. For students of molecular biotechnology, the possible topics will be presented at the bachelor thesis fair. If you have any questions, please get in touch using the contact details provided. The group will inform you separately about possible PhD positions.